Rise of the Otherworld.

The huge shadow loomed in the swamp, and the churning of muddy water became more and more violent. Everyone's heart was in their throat. Everyone's eyes were filled with fear and vigilance, and their breathing became rapid.

"Everyone, step back! Be careful!" Zhang Hao whispered, gripping his sword tightly, his body tense like a drawn bowstring. His gaze was fixed on the approaching shadow, the veins on his forehead throbbing with nervousness.

The shadow gradually approached, finally revealing its true form: a massive swamp crocodile. Its rough hide, smeared with mud and water, seemed to be covered in a thick layer of armor. Its eyes gleamed with a fierce gleam like burning coals, and its bloody mouth gaped, revealing teeth as sharp as knives, each one sending a chill down your spine.

"This big guy is not easy to deal with!" the mysterious man said, his voice trembling slightly, and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. His hand holding the weapon turned pale with tension, and his body unconsciously took a small step back.

The swamp crocodile lunged at the group, sending a shower of mud and water flying. Zhang Hao dodged to the side, nimble as a cheetah, and swung his sword at the crocodile's head. The blade clashed with the crocodile's skin, making a sharp scraping sound, but only leaving a shallow mark on its head. The swamp crocodile's tail, like a steel whip, lashed out at Zhang Hao with lightning speed, knocking him back several steps. Zhang Hao's body slammed heavily into a tree, causing leaves to fall.

The woman quickly cast a spell, sending beams of light shooting towards the swamp crocodile. The magical light was as bright as a meteor, but when it came into contact with the swamp crocodile's thick skin, it dissipated like fireworks, causing minimal damage to it.

Ling Yu tried to restrain it with a talisman, which transformed into golden rays of light in the air and flew towards the swamp crocodile. However, the swamp crocodile was not affected at all, and just shook its head and continued to attack everyone frantically.

The old man shouted anxiously: "Attack its eyes and abdomen, those are its weaknesses!" His voice became hoarse due to nervousness, and his eyes were full of worry.

Upon hearing this, everyone attacked the swamp crocodile's weak spot. Zhang Hao seized the opportunity and leaped up, swooping down like an eagle upon its prey. His sword flashed a cold light through the air, piercing the swamp crocodile's eyes. The swamp crocodile roared in pain, a sound that seemed to pierce the soul and chill one's spine. Black blood flowed from its eyes, and it fought back even more frantically.

During the fierce battle, the herbalist accidentally fell into the deep swamp again. He struggled desperately and called for help: "Save me, I'm going to sink!" His voice was full of despair and fear, and his hands were flailing in the mud and water.

The mysterious man wanted to save him, but was blocked by the swamp crocodile. The swamp crocodile opened its mouth wide and bit the mysterious man, forcing the mysterious man to turn around and avoid it.

"Let's get rid of this beast first!" Zhang Hao shouted. His voice was firm and powerful, bringing a glimmer of hope to everyone.

Everyone gathered their strength and launched a final attack on the swamp crocodile. Zhang Hao's sword stabbed the swamp crocodile's weakness again and again, the woman's magic light continued to flash, and Lingyu's talismans also flew towards it continuously.

Finally, with everyone's concerted efforts, the swamp crocodile was seriously injured, its body was shaky, and the fierceness in its eyes was gradually replaced by pain and despair. Finally, it turned and dived into the depths of the swamp, and the muddy water gradually returned to calm.

Zhang Hao quickly ran to the herbalist and pulled him out of the swamp. The herbalist's body was covered in mud and water, his face was as pale as paper, and he was gasping for breath.

"Let's go! We can't stay here any longer!" the old man said. His voice was filled with fatigue, but he remained firm.

Dragging their exhausted bodies, they continued to move forward in the rain, searching for the path to the ruins. Their steps were heavy and slow, each one filled with hardship.

The rain continued to fall, as if it was going to drown the whole world. The road became even more muddy, and their shoes were completely soaked with mud and water. They could feel the suction of the mud with every step.

"I don't know how long it will take to find the ruins." said the woman, her voice full of helplessness.

"As long as we don't give up, we will definitely find it." Zhang Hao encouraged.

At this moment, a turbulent river appeared in front of them, blocking their way...